Switch housing



Jan. 5, 1954 R. POPP 2,665,353

SWITCH HOUSING Filed June 8, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

R. POP 2,665,353

SWITCH HOUSING 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 8, 1950 j dolf Patented Jan. 5, 1954 2,665,353 SWITCH HOUSING Rudolf Popp, Valparaiso, Ind., assignor to McGill Manufacturing Company, Inc., Valparaiso, 1116.,

a corporation of Indiana Application June 8, 1950, Serial No. 166,894 8 Claims. (01. 200-168) The present invention relates to electric switches.

More particularly, the invention relates to electric switches having separable housings, and to the construction of such housings.

In the manufacture of electric switches, it is often convenient to construct the switch in two separable parts; the switch mechanism proper, and the housing for the switch mechanism. If the advantages of constructing switches in this manner, are to be fully availed, it is essential that the switch mechanism be easily mounted within its housing. In order that proper operation of the switch be assured, the housing must firmly seat the switch mechanism, and prevent any rattling movement of the mechanism relative to the housing. To provide maximum utility, the housing should facilitate installation of the switch in places which have limited space available for the switch, or which are not readily accessible. Along this same line, the housing should be such as to make the switch easily adapted for use in installations where the operating conditions might be such as to deleteriously affect the operation of the switch, or where the numb-er of switching operations to he performed vary. Further, in addition to all of the above requirements, it is of course necessary that the switch be easily and cheaply manufactured.

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a novel electric switch housing which greatly simplifies the mounting of a separable switch mechanism therein.

Another object of the invention is to provide a separable housing for an electric switch mechanism in which the switch mechanism is firmly retained in place upon being inserted therein.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a compact electric switch housing that is particularly adapted for use in installations where the space available for the switch is limited, or not readily accessible.

A further object of the invention is to provide a separable housing for an electric switch mechanism, which is easily adapted for use in installations having widely different operating conditions, and having varying numbers of lead-Ln conductors to accommodate.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a housing for an electric switch, which can be easily and cheaply manufactured on a quantity basis.

A feature of the invention is the provision of a novel electric switch housing including a half oval-shaped body member formed by a pair of half oval-shaped parallel plate portions joined together by U-shaped strip portion, the portions together defining a cavity having an opening in one of its sides for receiving a switch mechanism, and the housing further including a detachable covering for the opening in the body member.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of an electric switch housing including a body member having a relatively deep switchreceiving-cavity with one end open to provide access to the cavity for the introduction of a preassembled switch which has an operating member that can be projected through an opening in the end opposite to the open end, and a covering for the open end with the covering comprising a plate having a plurality of lead-in conductor accommodating notches out in its edges, and a resilient strip secured to the plate which forms a snap-catch engaging means for attaching the covering to the body member.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of an electric switch housing comprising a body member having; a switch receiving cavity with an open side providing access to the cavity, and a detachable covering for sealably closing the opening to provide a moistureproof switch housing; the covering being made of a flexible material, and having a number of frangible areas which are adapted to provide a plurality of self sealing passages for accommodating lead-in conductors to a switch contained within the housing.

Other objects, features and many or the attendant advantages or this invention will be appreciated readily as the same becomes understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a multi-purpose, electric switch and switch housing constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the switch mechanism and housing shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the disassembled switch housing comprising a part of the present invention;

Fig. l is a perspective view of two elements comprising one part of the two-piece housing shown in Fig. 3 and comprising a part of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-purpose switch and switch housing comprising a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the switch and switch housing illustrated in 5; and

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cover-memher of the switch housing shown in Fig. 5, and. also comprises a part of the invention.

In practicing the invention, an electrical switch having a switch mechanism contained within a separable insulating housing, is provided. The housing includes a half oval-shaped body member formed by a pair of half oval-shaped parallel plate portions having their curved edgesjoinedby a U-shaped strip portion. and defining a cavity having one of its sides open for receiving the switch mechanism. The housing also includes a covering for the body member which, in one embodiment of the invention, comprises ing a plurality of notchescut in its. edges for accommodating the lead-in. conductors to the switch mechanism. In another embodiment of: the invention presented, the covering for the body member of the housing comprises a-fiex-iblerub ber cover or cap having a plurality ofapertures V therein for accommodating the lead-in conductors to the switch mechanism. In this last mentioned embodiment, therubber cap sealably closes the opening in the body member, thereby keeping out moisture, dirt and other undesired matter which would injure the switch mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings more particularly, Fig. 1 shows a half oval-shaped electric switch housing havingja switch actuating lever 2 extending therefrom for operating a multipurpose switch mechanism of any well. known type, such as that described in U. S. Patent No. 2,209,104, issued to Rudolf Popp and Marvin. C. Carlson. The details of. the construction of the switch mechanism dov not form a. part of this invention, and therefore have. not beenshown; howeventhe general configuration. of a preassembledswitch mechanismfor which the housing has been particularly designed, is shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. Broadly, the switchmechanism comprises a universally acting switchingv lever 2 linked to the rotary switchcontacts of the mechanism held in place by a cylindrical chassis 3'- that also mounts. the stationary contacts of the switch, the ends of which are indicated by clips 4,. to which a plurality oflead-in conductors 5 are connected. The mechanism is contained within a generally halfoval-shaped body member 8. having an outwardly accessible switch mechanism receiving cavity therein, anda coveringv 9 therefor. Hal-f. oval-shaped member 8 is formed by a pair of. half oval-shaped parallel plate portions l6 and ll having the? curved portionof the peripherythereof, joined: together by a U-shapedstrip portion l-2:.. Thehali ovaishaped body member 8. may bean integral body of molded construction, or, if desired, may be built up from-separately, machinedpieces. It

is preferably constructed of an insulating material, but, could also be constructed of brass or the like and provided with an insulated lining. As isbest seen in Fig. 2., U-shaped strip portion l2 has an aperture it formed intheve-rtex portion thereof, which accommodates; the switch actuating lever 2 of the'switch mechanism. By reason of this construction, the assemblying of the switch mechanism is greatly facilitated. All that is required in order to properly seat the mechanism in member 8, is that theswitching lever 2 be aligned somewhat with aperture l3, and the switch mechanism thrust into the mem-- ber. Thisrequiresibut" a; minimum of time-and effort, and reduces the overall cost of the switch. After being inserted. within member 8, the switch mechanism is. retained firmly in place, and is.

prevented from rattling around with the member a plate-hav-- T parallelplate-portions l9 and by the-ends of the leg portions of U-shaped Each of the ends of the saidbecause of its half-oval configuration. This results in preventing damage to the switch mecha-- nism during shipping and handling, and assures proper operation of the switch. Other advan-' tages provided by this construction will become apparent from the succeeding paragraphs.

Hi secured thereto. As best cover plate 9 is designed to fit onthe-open end ofmember 8 by the ends of H, and bordered strip portion l2. leg portions has a depression l2a or l2?) formed inthe-outer face thereof in which a centrally disposed snap-catch protrusion i5 is positioned, and an indentation 20. or iZd formed in the end thereof for accommodating resilient. strip Hi. As is best illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings, strip i is secured to plate 9.by means of a pair of punched out ears 14a that project through a pair of slitsllb cut in plate 9, and, as is best seen inFig. 2, are bentover to securely hold strip 54. to. plate, 9. Adverting again to Fig. 3, strip id is generally rectangular shaped, and is of greater length than plate 9. Theportionof strip Hi extending beyondeach, of the edges of plate 9 has a hole Mb. punchedjtherein, and is bent toward the other, to an angle of approximately with plate 9, in a clamping fashion. The cover plate thus. formed is designed to fit into the seat defined by the ends of plates l9 and H, andv the endsof the leg portions of U-shaped strip. 2, with the. clamped end portions of strip id. passing through indentations I20 and EM, extending into depressions lid and l2b, and coacting. with snap-catch protrusion i5v on each of. the leg portions. to operate as a snap-catch securing means. Because each of the indentations 12a and I211 are sufiiciently wide to. accommodate strip It, and because plate 9 is designed to exactly fit between the ends of the legs or U-shaped strip; l2, the entire housing, when assembled, forms a compact body presenting a smooth outer surface.

As has been previously pointed out, when assembling the switch mechanism within the housing, the switch mechanism is inserted in member 8 after covering 9; has been removed, with the switch actuatinglever 2 protruding through aperture I3. Due to the fact that notches 9a are accessible from the side of cover plate 9, this operation can be performed after lead-in conductors 5 have been secured to the switch mechanism; thereby greatly facilitating installation of the switch. Lead-in conductors 5 are then bunched and positioned so as to fit within notches 9a, and theplate9 fitted overthe end of half oval-shaped member 9. To secure plate 9'to said'member theclarnps formed bythe ends of resilient strip Hi are pushed along depressions. 52a and lZb formed inthe outer faces of each or the leg portions of U-shaped strip l2, until the holes Mb snap over protrusions 15. In this manner, installation of the switch mechanism within a compact, insulating housing is completed in a few simple, operations. By making notches 9a sufiiciently large to accommodate any desired number of-lead-in conductors up to three or four, the housing can be used with a r i a eiy f wi h mech nismshavms varying numbers of lead-in conductors, without requiring any alteration of the housing structure whatsoever.

Having completed the above operations, the assembled switch can then be mounted, as in one type of installation illustrated in Fig. 2, by means of a mounting nut 16 and a threaded neck ll through which switch actuating lever 2 passes, on a wall or other supporting structure I 8. Preferably, threaded neck I! is secured to switch chassis 3 by means of posts l9 so that upon the mounting nut 16 being drawn up, the switch mechanism is drawn against the quasi-cylindrical seat formed in half oval-shaped member 8 and is prevented from rattling around therewithin. This action also results in drawing the mechanism in places wherein the space for the switch is limited, or not readily available.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1, rectangular cover plate 9 can be formed. by a simple punching operation. The simplicity of manufacture of cover plate 9, is made possible wholly through the nature of the opening of half available and 28 closing the structure. Bottom 25 has a plurality of cup-sha ed indentations 29 therein which form a plurality of thin, frangible areas adapted to be punctured to accommodate the switch mechanism lead-in conductors. Prior to assembly of the switch mechanism in member 8, a number of the frangible areas equal to the number of lead-1n conductors to be accommoe switch mechanism, and inserted in the afore- Covering 22 is then secured over the opening in half oval-shaped body member 8.

Covering 22 is retained on member 8 by the gripping action of the wall portions 23, 24, 27 and 28, and by the coaction of a pair of cleats 32 and 33 formed on the inside of end walls 2'! and 28. with protrusions t5. Cleats 32 and 33 are sufiiciently wide to close depressions [2a and 12b,

and together with the wall portions 23, 24, 21 and 28, serves to prevent the passage of air into the member 8. This sealing action is further improved by the gripping action of the fractured, frangible areas 3| on each of the lead-in conductors 5. Thus, upon the member 8 and the switch mechanism being drawn up tightly against the supporting structure 18 (by mounting nut 16), the housing is tightly sealed against the entrance of moisture, dirt, or other matter, and deterioration of the switch mechanism is prevented. If desired, the depressions 12a and 12b, and protrusion l5 could be omitted when constructing body member 8, and the rubber covering 22 secured thereto by means of its gripping action only. Such modification of the housing construction is thought to be so obvious, as not to require elaboration.

From the preceding discussion, it can be seen that the invention provides a novel switch housing that readily accessible. embodiment of the invention, the switch mechanism can be connected to the lead-in conductors thereof prior to assembly of the switch mechanism within the housing; thereby further facilitating installation of the switch. Additionally, this last mentioned embodiment can be used with a variety of switch varying numbers of lead-in conductors, without requiring additional alterations to the housing structure. In another embodiment of the invention, a moistureproof switch housing is provided by merely modifying the construction of covering for the body member thereexpense. The half oval-shaped body member 2 may be cast in a mold, or, if desired, machined out of fiat pieces of insulating material, and built up to the proper shape. By either means the manufacture of the body member is easily accomplished at a minimum cost. In either embodiment of the housing, covering 9 or 22 can likewise be constructed at a minimum cost.

ly possible. be understood that such modifications are within the full intended scope of the invention as set forth by the appended claims.

I claim:

I. A switch housing comprising a half ovalshaped body member having a pair of half ovalparallel plate portions and a U-shaped strip portion bent to conform to the curvature of said plate portions, said portions forming a cavity geese-ts having arr-open end and being sufiiciently large to accommodate a switch mechanism therein, said U-shaped strip portion having an aperture ii'rth'e" v'e'r tex portion thereof and central depressi'ons formed in the outer'fac'es of the ends of each or the leg portions thereof, a snap-catch protrusion formed on the extreme end of each of said leg portions and centrally disposed within each or said depressions, and a detachable cover-- ing piateror said opening, said plate having a plurality of lead-in conductor accommodating notches cut therein and a resilient strip secured theretdsaid strip having two end portions overlapping opposing sides of said plate, said end port'ions havingcentrally disposed holes formed. therein and being bent to form a clasp so that said holes coact with protrusions on said body member as a snap-catch securing means.

2. An electric switch housing comprising a hair oval-shaped body member having a pair of half oval-shaped parailel plate portions and a U- shaped strip portion bent to conform to the curvature of said plate portions, said portions defining an open cavity for receiving a preassembled switch mechanism therein, said cavity being sui-- ficiently large to accommodate a preconnected switch mechanism, said U-shaped strip having an aperture in the vertex portion thereof, a snapcatch means formed on the extreme end of each of the leg portions of said U-shaped strip, and a flat cover plate for the open end or said cavity, said cover plate having a plurality of lead-in conductor accommodating notches cut therein and a resilient strip secured thereto, said strip having the two end portions overlappin opposing sides of said plate, said end portions having snapcatch means thereon and being bent so that said last-mentioned snap-catch means coact with the snap-catch means on said member to hold said member and said plate in assembled relation.

3; An electric switch housing comprising a half oval-shaped insulating body member having a pair of half oval-shaped parallel plate portions and a- U-shaped strip portion bent to conform to the curvature of Said plate portions, said portions defining a switch retaining cavity therein, with said cavity having an opening sufficiently large to accommodate a preconnected switch mechanism, said U-shaped. strip having an aperture in the vertex portion thereof, said U-shaped strip portionhaving depressions formed therein at the extreme end of each of the leg portions thereof, a snap-catch protrusion centrally disposed within each or said depressions, and an insulating cover for said opening including a plate having a plurality of lead-in conductor accommodating notches cut therein and a resilient strip having overlapping ends secured thereto, said overlapping ends having holes punched therein and being bent to engage said depressions in a clamping fashion so that said holes coact with said protrusions as a snap-catch securing means.

4; An' electric switch including in combination a multi-terminal, preassembled switch mechanism having a switch actuating means protruding therefrom and adaptable for use with installations requiring difierent numbers of switching operations, and an insulating housing for said mechanism, said housing comprising a half ovalshaped member having a pair of half oval-shaped parallel plate portions and a U-shaped strip portiori bent to conform to the curvature of said plate portions; said portions defining an open cavity'therein for receiving said switch mechanisni, said U-shap'ed' strip having an aperture 8 in the vertexportion' thereof communicating with said cavity for accommodating said switch actuating means, snap-catch protrusions formed on said U-shaped strip on opposing sides of said opening, and a cover plate for said open cavity, said cover plate having a plurality of lead-in conductor accommodation notches cut therein and a resilient strip secured thereto, said strip having two end portions each or which overlaps said plate, said end portions having holes formed therein and being bent in a clamping fashion so that said holes coact with the protrusions on said U-shaped strip as a snap-catch securing means.

5. A switch housing including a half ovalshaped member formed by a pair of half oval shaped parallel plate portions joined together by a U-shaped strip portion, said portions defining a cavity having an opening thereto, and being suificlently large to accommodate an electric switch mechanism, and said U-shaped strip portion having an aperture in the vertex portion thereof for accommodating the switch mechanism actuating lever and a snap-catch protrusion formed on the extreme end of the outer face of each of the leg portions thereof, and a flexible rubber covering for said opening, said covering having fastening means formed thereon coacting with said snap-catch protrusions to retain said covering on said housing and to seal the same closed, and a plurality of apertures formed therein and adapted to provi e self sealing passages for accommodating the lead-in conductors of the switch contained in the housing.

6. In an electrical switch adapted to be mounted on a fiat surface and having a pro assembled switch mechanism which has a circular frame therefor with an arcuate portion at the edge of said frame and an actuating member extending radially outwardly from id frame, the combination or a one-piece molded housing member for said switch mechanism having four closed walls and a rectangular opening at one end theeof defined in size and shape by said walls and having at the other end an apertured wall, with the inside surface of said latter wall rounded to provid inside shoulders adapted to receive the arcuate portion of the switch mechanism frame thereagainst to position and support the preassembled switch mechanism within the housing member, with the wall aperture positioned between said shoulders and adapted to receive the switch actuating member extended there hrough, closure means closing the rectangular opening in the housing member and snap fastener means having cooperating portions on said closure means and said housing member to retain the closure means thereon, and switch mounting means for mounting the switch on a fiat surface by drawing the one-piece housing member with the switch mechanism therein against such surface and drawing the switch-mechanism frame at its arcuate portion against the inside shoulders within said one-piece housing member.

'7. In an electrical switch adapted to be mounted on a fiat surface and having a preassembled switch mechanism which has a circular frame therefor with an arcuate portion at the edge of said frame and an actuating member extending radially outwardly from said frame, the combination of a one-piece molded insulating housing member for said switch mechanism having four closed walls and a rectangular opening at one end thereof defined in size and shape by said four walls and having at the other end an apertured wall, with the inside surface of said latter wall rounded to provide inside shoulders adapted to receive the arcuate portion of the switch mechanism frame thereagainst, with the wall aperture positioned between said shoulders and adapted to receive the switch actuating mein ber extending therethrough, said four walls of said housing member including two side walls with a snap notch in each adjacent the opening, closure means closing the rectangular opening in the housing member comprising an insulating plate supported at the opening, snap fastener means comprising a metal spring clip extending across said insulating plate and having a deformed snap at each end to engage the corresponding snap notches in the housing member and to retain the closure means thereon, and switch mounting means for mounting the switch on a flat surface by drawing the one-piece housing member with the switch mechanism therein against such surface and drawing the switchmechanism frame at its arcuate portion against the inside shoulders within said one-piece hous ing member.

8. In an electrical switch adapted to be mounted on a flat surface and having a preassembled switch mechanism which has a circular frame therefor with an arcuate portion at the edge of said frame and an actuating member extending radially outwardly from said frame, the combination of a one-piece molded insulating housing member for said switch mechanism having four closed walls and a rectangular opening at one end thereof defined in size and shape by said four walls and having at the other end an apertured Wall, with the inside surface of said latter Wall rounded to provide inside shoulders adapted to receive the arcuate portion of the switch mechanism frame thereagainst, with the wall aperture positioned between said shoulders and adapted to receive the switch actuating member extending therethrough, said four walls of said housing member including two side walls with a. snap notch in each at the end of the wall adjacent the opening, closure means for said rectangular opening comprising a walled hood having a catch portion on the inside of each of two opposite walls thereof for snap fastening with the snap notch on the side walls of the housing member and switch mounting means for mounting the switch on a fiat surface by drawing the one-piece housing member with the switch mechanism therein against such surface and drawing the switch-mechanism frame at its arcuate portion against the inside shoulders within said onepiece housing member.

RUDOLF POPP.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,447,749 Hallett Aug. 24, 1948 2,473,252 Hutt June 14, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 29,014 Great Britain Dec. 30, 1904 

